John, 80, was the first Indigenous player to get a call up to represent Australia at football on a tour to Hong Kong – but Australia was expelled from FIFA before he could actually get a cap.

The former star of clubs including Adelaide Juventus and Port Thistle now runs John Moriarty Football in Borroloola in the Northern Territory, coaching Indigenous kids and giving them a chance of breaking through into a professional career.

Now FIFA have recognised the programme as one of the most outstanding projects in the world and shortlisted it for the top award.

Now in its third year, the Diversity Awards recognises initiatives standing up for diversity and anti-discrimination in football.

"Through this symbolic recognition and honour, FIFA aims to inspire others to take up the cause and use the power of football to break down barriers," says FIFA.

"This organisation is creating visibility and a brighter future for indigenous children of the Aboriginal community by using football as a key to strengthen their self-confidence against discrimination, to support discipline and structure as well as to encourage education and to foster life outcomes and career aspirations.

"Delivering the programme in schools and campaigning during the Indigenous Football Week, JMF has become a central part of daily community life."

JMF is facing competition from Show Racism the Red Card organisation in the UK and Kenya's Horn of Africa Development Initiative which targets teenage girls to turn them towards playing football instead of ethnic rivalry.

"We are honoured and humbled by our work being recognized as a Top 3 Finalist," JMF tweet today.

The winner will be announced on September 25.